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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 20, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 7-c <br /> SUBJECT: Draft Orange County Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Work Program for Transit <br /> DEPARTMENT: Orange County Transportation Services (OCTS) <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 1. Draft FY26 Annual Work Program Nishith Trivedi, Transportation Director, <br /> 919-245-2007 <br /> PURPOSE: To receive a report on the draft Orange County Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Work <br /> Program for transit and provide comments on the Work Program. <br /> BACKGROUND: In June 2024, the Orange County Staff Work Group (SWG) officially endorsed <br /> the process and timeline for developing the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Annual Work Program <br /> (AWP). Recognizing the importance of efficiency and alignment with key stakeholders, the SWG <br /> revisited the initial schedule during its September 2024 meeting, making strategic refinements to <br /> further streamline the approval process. These adjustments were designed to enhance <br /> coordination among participating agencies and ensure a more structured approach to meeting <br /> critical deadlines. <br /> Following these refinements, member jurisdictions, in close collaboration with Orange County and <br /> GoTriangle, undertook a comprehensive effort to compile and submit all necessary materials. This <br /> collaborative approach facilitated smooth and timely preparation of the draft AWP, enabling its <br /> completion ahead of the holiday season. By proactively addressing potential bottlenecks and <br /> ensuring thorough documentation, stakeholders successfully laid the groundwork for a well- <br /> organized and effective annual transit tax budget for FY26. <br /> The Draft FY26 AWP (Attachment 1) has been carefully prepared by Orange County, in its role <br /> as SWG administrator, through a thorough and collaborative process over the past several <br /> months. The draft has been publicly reviewed and deliberated during the December 2024 and <br /> January 2025 SWG meetings, ensuring transparency and alignment with the priorities of all <br /> stakeholders. Every project request has been thoughtfully considered and incorporated, and the <br /> financial model remains stable and sustainable, fully adhering to approved governing documents, <br /> including global agreements. <br /> After two (2) months of dedicated effort and extensive coordination, County staff is confident that <br /> the Draft FY26 AWP is comprehensive, fiscally responsible, and ready for public review. <br /> Next steps per the approved schedule: <br /> • Finalize Annual Work Program - February 28, 2025 <br /> • SWG — Recommend Approval - March 19, 2025 <br /> • BOCC — Public Hearing and Approval - April 16, 2025 <br />